Bitter Money, by Parker Shipton, unites symbolic and economic analysis in exploring the beliefs about forbidden exchanges among the Luo of Kenya and other African peoples. Shipton’s multi-paradigmatic theoretical explanation briefly summarizes a century of anthropological thought about African exchange, while integrating ways of understanding rural African economy, politics, and culture.

Fascinating little book adds to the study of culture to political economy – MacGaffey~Journal of Anthropological Research, 1990

(Bitter Money) presents fascinating material on beliefs about money in some Luo-speaking communities of Kenya… an insightful analysis… a case that will generate fruitful discussions for years to come – Ferguson~American Ethnologist, 1991